Degree Programme in Osteopathy in Finnish
Osteopaths examine people of different ages and safely use diverse manual techniques when treating patients. Osteopathic treatment typically involves gentle manual techniques, which take the functions of the joints into account.
Objectives of the degree programme
The training aims to develop osteopathic examination, treatment skills and to enable continuous professional development.
Students internalise the general ethical view on treatment within health care and are aware of key legislation relating to health care practice. The objective is for students to be capable of constructive cooperation with other health care professionals and of developing their own professional field at work. The studies furthermore aim to provide thorough knowledge of the functions of the human body and the musculoskeletal system and to develop good palpation skills.
Students learn different procedures for examining and diagnosing functional musculoskeletal disorders and become aware of relevant differential diagnostics. Osteopaths’ key professional competence covers detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and different pathological processes of the musculoskeletal system. Osteopaths also learn basic knowledge and techniques of visceral and cranial osteopathy. This competence is based on studies in anatomy, physiology and pathology focusing on the viscera and cranium.
Characteristics required by the training
Future Osteopaths are expected to be interested in human wellbeing in a holistic way. Osteopaths see the human as a psychosomatic whole and is adapt at making close contact and communicating sensitively with the patient in a treatment situation. Active and independent personality is helpful when working as self-employed person.
The profession and its tasks
Osteopaths are specialists in the clinical examination and manual treatment of the human musculoskeletal system and its functions.
Osteopaths work as private practitioners in their own place or in private doctor´s office or at rehabilitation centers. Osteopaths treat patients of all ages suffering from functional musculoskeletal diseases. Reception typically consists careful interview from symptoms, examination of the problem area and treatment. Follow-up treatment often comprises the instruction of customers in posture, stabilization, coordination and muscle power exercises and health education.
Osteopathy is based on manual diagnostics and the development of therapy, which have been practiced for over a century.
The curriculum follows Finnish and international guidelines for the training of Osteopaths.
International Partners and Activities
Students in the Degree Programme in Osteopathy are encouraged to participate in international exchanges and conferences. Opportunities are available for both short- and long-term exchange periods during their studies.
We also welcome international students for short or longer visits to our campus. The type and duration of exchanges depend on the network or agreement the sending institution is part of.
The Degree Programme in Osteopathy is a member of the Osteopathic European Academic Network (OsEAN). We are pleased to welcome students from OsEAN member institutions to our annual International Days, typically held in March.
Erasmus+ Partners
The Degree Programme in Osteopathy has the agreements with the following Erasmus partner institutions:
- Kristiania University College in Oslo, Norway
- Institut des Hautes Études Ostéopathiques IdHEO in Nantes, France
- Institut d’Ostéopathie de Rennes-Bretagne in Rennes, France
These partnerships support both student and staff exchanges. Osteopathy students can apply for exchange placements through the Erasmus+ programme.
Student teaching clinic
Our students practise in the HyMy Village Wellbeing and Healthcare services student clinic located at the Myllypuro Campus. Osteopathy students complete a total of 50 ECTS of supervised clinical practice during their second, third, and fourth years of study, under the guidance of experienced teachers.
Contact information
Questions related to exchanges, visits and post graduate courses:
Sandra Rinne
Head of Osteopathy
Tel. +358 40 159 1759
sandra.rinne [at] metropolia.fi (sandra[dot]rinne[at]metropolia[dot]fi)
Address
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
Myllypurontie 1
00920 Helsinki, FINLAND